“Home” from The Wiz

The Wiz
By Charles Smalls
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
Heather Headley, vocalist
Doug Peck, music director

 

In 1975 Broadway was rocked by the arrival of one of the most exhilarating musicals of the time. This was The Wiz, a visually, vocally, and choreographically spectacular retelling of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with a cast comprised entirely of artists of color. The Broadway success led to productions all over the world, as well as a popular film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Five years ago, a triumphantly received production of a new adaptation of the show was presented in a live television performance on NBC.

The hugely gifted, tragically short-lived composer-lyricist Charlie Smalls (1943-1987), who won a Tony Award for The Wiz, created a score that bursts with vitality and imagination. Dorothy, the heroine, is given several numbers exuding an infectious, carefree exuberance, and the character also provides the show’s most deeply touching moment. The soaring ballad “Home,” the show’s emotional high point, reveals Dorothy’s awareness that although her journey through Oz has taught her many things, it has only confirmed her longing to be home once more, to embrace the essential joys of life there, and to be given enough time simply to grow up.

Vocalist

Heather Headley

Heather Headley

Lyric debut

The acclaimed singer-songwriter-actress debuted on Broadway originating the role of Nala/The Lion King in 1997. She later created the title role/Elton John’s Aida, for which she won a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award. Other Broadway credits include First You Dream, Dreamgirls, Il Divo: A Musical Affair—The Greatest Songs of Broadway, and The Color Purple. Headley has also appeared in the City Center Encores production of Do Re Mi and the Actors Fund Benefit concert version of Dreamgirls. In London she starred in The Bodyguard, garnering Olivier Award and What’s On Stage Award nominations. Among other important credits are concerts in Britain and Italy with Andrea Bocelli. Headley has recorded four solo albums, winning a Grammy Award in 2010 for “Audience of One” (Best Contemporary Gospel R&B Album). Among her television appearances are The Kennedy Center Presents: The Mark Twain Prize (PBS) and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as recurring roles on She’s Gotta Have It (Netflix), Chicago Med (NBC), and currently Sweet Magnolias (Netflix).